Rivellini chases 'down under' dream
by Boatology 21 Jan 22:25 PST
EvoR6 custom unit running © Francesco Ferri
Acclaimed Italian naval architect and yacht designer, Valerio Rivellini has started 2026 with plans to seek sunshine and boating inspiration in Sydney.
Italian Naval architect, Valerio Rivellini visited Australia for the first time for the Sydney International On-Water Boat Show in November 2025, attending at the invitation of Australian distributor for Evo Yachts and Cantiere Mimi, Boatology.
So enchanted was he with Sydney Harbour, its miles of waterways and vast coastline beyond, Rivellini is planning to relocate to Sydney to tap into its boating culture and climate for design inspiration.
A guest of Boatology Founder, Zain Moloobhoy, Rivellini, who designs motor yachts for the Evo Yachts and Cantiere Mimi brands, spent 10 days in Sydney with Domenico Senese, Director at Cantiere Mimì, builders of the Libeccio range.
Boatology presented the Mimi Libeccio 8.5 Cabin, fully decked out for weekends on board, which attracted more than its fair share of attention over the four-day event. It sold during the show, and generated interest in all models in the range.
It was a major coup to attract a naval architect of Rivellini's stature to Australia for the local launch of the brands he designs, and he was thrilled to meet prospective owners, boating enthusiasts and yachting media at the Sydney boat show, rescheduled for the first time to November.
Citing his newfound passion for the people, the Harbour and the Australian boating lifestyle, he has made the decision to relocate to Sydney for several months each year.
Rivellini has been 'messing about in boats' since he was seven years old, confessing an abiding fascination with boats of all kinds. He sailed an Optimist dinghy through his teens and became a sailing instructor, which led him to study Naval Architecture and Engineering.
"My life and career are based around the water and boating," he said. "My dream became my job."
After close to 25 years designing boats, motivation still comes easily to Rivellini.
"I love staying on board all kinds of boats - from motor yachts and sailing yachts, to dinghies as well. My starting point for all my projects is to understand how the owner will enjoy their boat."
His favourite part of the process is the "internal fight between the yacht designer and the naval architect - starting the project without limits and then trying to solve it with engineering".
"We start with a sketch, an idea, then check the lines and propulsion, then we create a render of the concept. The second part of the project is the engineering, which can be complex and challenging. Each time, we try to enhance the concept and improve the layout, which must be perfectly integrated into the history of the shipyard."
When asked to describe the relationship among the proponents: Boatology, Mimì and himself, Rivellini was generous in his praise for Boatology founder, Zain Moloobhoy.
"Boatology is more than a dealership," he stated. "They are not just a group of guys who sell boats.
"It's a philosophy of life and the lifestyle around boats, and behind that philosophy is Zain.
"Zain is an incredible person who we know very well now, and his approach to the boat market is quite unique. There is emotion behind every boat. The aim is not just to sell a boat, but to create a passion for boating. It has been a pleasure to spend time with him and the Boatology family at the Sydney boat show."
But it was Sydney that captured his heart and ignited a fresh perspective on his craft.
"It is really the most beautiful city you can imagine, with boats everywhere. You can touch it with your hands - from small dinghies to the fishing boats and the superyachts. It's the perfect city for inspiration.
"The boating lifestyle in Australia is amazing!" he continued. "I took a trip around the Harbour and all I saw was boats. In just two hours, I saw the range of boats that in Europe you would only see in many different places. I believe it's an incredible market with so much potential."
Mimì and Evo have the opportunity to "create a really strong identity in Australia".
"I didn't see anything like the Mimì boats, which are beautiful, practical and very different. As for Evo Yachts, the key is the versatile format to change it from a day boat to a weekender. It's full of technology, very safe and I am sure Australians will appreciate how unique the Evo brand is compared to other motor yachts."
Describing the Evo brand, Rivellini hails its "impressive range".
"You can choose anything you want and adapt the project around your activities."
Starting the line-up is the 43-foot Evo R4 which offers thrilling performance and versatility. Expanding two hydraulic XTensions bulwarks to turn the beach area into a 25-square-metre terrace, it can convert from a sleek cruiser to a private island in just 30 seconds.
An additional Transformer platform can attach to the transom and can rotate 270° to support boarding and disembarking, diving, or simply relaxing at the water's edge.
Then there's the R6, which Rivellini described as "one of the most beautiful boats on the market".
"There's a great balance between the outside and inside. Outside, it's a walkaround with nice sporty lines and a lot of space for relaxing. And inside, there are three cabins, two bathrooms and also a crew cabin."
The Evo V8 is "a masterpiece, with a lot of influence from sailing yachts".
"It has so many features," noted the designer. "There is a crane under the deck, a jet tender under the cockpit - it's an amazing boat with a lot of space inside, a nice crew cabin in the back."
The Italian brand launched the next iteration of the R4 at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, the Evo R4 Icone, a tribute to the past and a leap into the future, offering unmatched onboard comfort, sportiness, and bespoke customisation - all hallmarks of the Evo Yachts experience.
Representing a decade of design refinement, the R4 Icone features a longer hull, a more assertive bow profile, redesigned air intakes and large hull windows for optimal natural light inside.
At the stern, the innovative XT platform, developed in collaboration with Besenzoni, extends the aft deck to create a customisable seafront terrace that lowers to the water.
Boatology is hoping to take delivery of an Evo R4 Icone in 2026, and is already preparing moorings for three new Mimì models in the next month or two: the Libeccio 9.5 Cabin, 11 Cabin and the flagship 13.5 Cabin. Founder, Zain Moloobhoy, said he is extremely pleased with the response after just six months in the market.
"Once local boaters discover Evo Yachts' innovation and suitability for our region, we're confident of a similarly enthusiastic reception. The first Evo model we are expecting in Australia is the all-new R4 Icone, which will appeal to boaties looking for innovation and style."
"Boatology was founded to bring world-leading marine innovation and timeless Italian design to Australian shores," said Moloobhoy.
"Evo Yachts is the pinnacle of modern Italian design, the brainchild of master designer, Valerio Rivellini and the Mercuri Brothers. We can't wait to show off the Evo R4 Icone to Australian boat lovers."
Now back in Naples, Italy where he founded his design studio in 2009, Rivellini foresees a bright future for his boats - and his own inspiration - down under.
"Sydney is a beautiful city. I hope to come here and work here for a while. To see many more of my boats on the Harbour, that is my dream!"